Dec. 5, 2012

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The seafood enchiladas from Amigos. / Michael Morain/The Register

Amigos

FIND IT: 400 Locust St. HOURS: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. weekdays INFO: 244-0744

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Scene: When El Azteca closed this spring after seven years on the skywalk at Capital Square, downtown workers said “adios” to its fake adobe walls and south-of-the-border knickknacks. Its replacement, Amigos, opened four months ago with a cleaner look and, so far, smaller crowds than those that gathered at the height of the Aztecan empire. That could change early next year, when several businesses (including The Des Moines Register’s 600 employees) start to refill the building’s office space.

Food: The menu is short and simple: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and salads, all for about $4 to $8. There are few surprises, although the restaurant’s Facebook page announces various specials each week.

My co-worker enjoyed the seafood enchiladas ($6.25) filled with shrimp, fake crab, tomatoes and a pleasantly light spinach-cheese sauce. I dug into a platter of beef fajitas ($7.50) with tender beef, grilled peppers and onions, and more fixings than I could roll into the three foil-wrapped tortillas. With rice and refried beans, there was plenty to box up for the next day’s lunch.

On the clock: About 40 minutes. A basket of warm chips and salsa arrived moments after we sat down, followed by our entrees 10 minutes later. Our server was prompt and friendly.

Bottom line: It’s a good place for a real meal (with leftovers) at a decent price. When the Register moves upstairs to the fifth floor, I might rig up a dumbwaiter.